System and Method for Moving a Drilling Rig

ABSTRACT

An improved system and method for moving a drilling rig is described herein. In one embodiment, the system can comprise a lift cylinder maneuverable in a longitudinal direction, a casing having a portion of lift cylinder attached at the center of the casing, and an anchor where a top portion of the anchor is connected to the bottom portion of the lift cylinder. The casing can be mateable at the bottom portion of a drilling rig. The walking system can further comprise a pair of traverse cylinders mounted on opposite sides of the anchor and a skid pad, on which a portion of the traverse cylinder is connected. The traverse cylinder can be maneuverable in a lateral direction. The skid pad can be connected to the bottom portion of the mounting plate. Furthermore, the skid pad can be capable of supporting the weight of the drilling rig.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to utility application Ser. No. 13/897,405 entitled “System and Method for Erecting a Drilling Rig filed May 18, 2013, which is utility application claiming priority to provisional application 61/648,624 entitled “System and Method for Erecting a Drilling Rig” filed May 18, 2012.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to an improved system and method for moving a drilling rig.

Drilling wells for oil and mineral explorations requires an extensive amount of machinery, complicated assembly and disassembly of equipment, as well as coordination and planning for maintenance of rigs in day-to-day practice.

At times, it is necessary to move a rig from one location to another. Land rigs have been designed to be divided into sections to move to a new place or location. However, these processes are expensive and time consuming, often taking weeks to finish.

With the current trend of innovation in this industry, there have been improvements in the drilling process, such as cost-effective technology, upgraded machine performance, and rig mobility. However, moving drilling rigs still requires outside machinery being installed onto rig or at rig site for any movement of the rig to occur. At present, no rig possesses a built-in walking system or other movement device.

As such, it would be useful to have an improved system and method for moving a drilling rig.

SUMMARY

An improved system and method for moving a drilling rig is described herein. In one embodiment, the system can comprise a lift cylinder maneuverable in a longitudinal direction, a casing having a portion of lift cylinder attached at the center of the casing, and an anchor where a top portion of the anchor is connected to the bottom portion of the lift cylinder. The casing can be mateable at the bottom portion of a drilling rig. The walking system can further comprise a pair of traverse cylinders mounted on opposite sides of the anchor and a skid pad, on which a portion of the traverse cylinder is connected. The traverse cylinder can be maneuverable in a lateral direction. The skid pad can be connected to the bottom portion of the mounting plate. Furthermore, the skid pad can be capable of supporting the weight of the drilling rig.

In addition, an improved method for moving a drilling rig can comprise expanding a lift cylinder and horizontally expanding a traverse cylinder. As a result, drilling rig can be directed laterally. The lift cylinder can be capable of lifting a drilling rig upwards such that a skid pad presses against the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling rig with a walking system mounted on a drilling mat.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a walking system.

FIG. 3A illustrates how a lift cylinder, a roller housing, and a keeper plates are connected to an anchor.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a traverse cylinder 205 connected to a skid pad.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of a traverse cylinder connected to a skid pad.

FIG. 4 illustrates a casing.

FIG. 5A illustrates a lift cylinder in an expanded state.

FIG. 5B illustrates a lift cylinder in a refracted state.

FIG. 6A illustrates a traverse cylinder in an expanded state

FIG. 6B illustrates a traverse cylinder in a retracted state.

FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of a drilling rig, which can comprise a plurality of horizontal beams.

FIG. 7B illustrates a walking system being aligned with a horizontal beam.

FIG. 7C illustrates how a walking system can be attached to a horizontal beam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is an improved system and method for moving a drilling rig. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling rig 100 comprising a walking system 101, mounted on a drilling mat 102. Drilling rig 100 can comprise an assembly of equipment used in the mineral exploration and production process. Walking system 101 can comprise machine equipment capable of lifting and moving drilling rig 100. Walking system 101 can be permanently built into the base of drilling rig 100. In such embodiment, drilling rig 100 can comprise a plurality of walking systems 101 be built into its base allowing drilling rig 100 rotational movement both laterally and longitudinally, as discussed further below. Walking system 101 can be an automated device that can be operated through an electronic device, such a wired or wireless control. Drilling mat 102 can provide a flat surface, upon which walking system 101 can maneuver and move drilling rig 100. Furthermore, drilling mat 102 can aid in distributing the weight of drilling rig 100 across its surface. Drilling mat 102 can be made from durable material that includes but are not limited to metal and/or plastics such as copolymers.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of walking system 101. Walking system 101 can comprise a lift cylinder 201, an anchor 202, a roller housing 203, a mounting plate 204, a pair of traverse cylinder 205, a skid pad 206, a pair of indexing pins 207, and a roller assembly 208. Lift cylinder 201 can be a mechanical actuator that is used to transfer energy throughout the device producing a unidirectional movement. Lift cylinder 201 can be a device that allows walking system 101 to move up, and move down. Furthermore, lift cylinder 201 can initiate walking system 101 to rotate at 360 degrees radius. As such, walking system 101 can be maneuvered in any direction and can cover more surface area.

Anchor 202 can be a casing of walking system 101 that houses a portion of lift cylinder 201. Anchor 202 can comprise a pair of keeper plates 209, a cavity 210, and a rim 211. A first keeper plate 209 a and a second keeper plate 209 b can be affixed together to hold lift cylinder 201 in place. As a result, keeper plates 209 can be mounted on anchor 202 to strengthen support for lift cylinder 201 and to connect lift cylinder 201 with skid pad 206. Furthermore anchor 202 can ensure that lift cylinder 201 is in a steady, upright position. Consequently, cavity 210 can be an empty portion within anchor 202 configured to house the bottom portion of lift cylinder 201.

Rim 211 can be an extended border placed at the outer opposite sides of anchor 202. Rim 211 can be attached perpendicularly at the bottom portion of anchor 202. In one embodiment, walking system 101 can comprise a plurality of lift cylinders 201.

Roller housing 203 can be a circular platform whose surface area is wider than anchor 202, in one embodiment. Roller housing 203 can comprise a second orifice 203 a and a plurality of perforations 203 b. Second orifice 203 a can be located in the middle of roller housing 203 that can also be mateable with lift cylinder 201. Perforations 203 b can be holes axially placed near the outer edge of roller housing 203. Perforations 203 b can be mateable with indexing pins 207. Furthermore, roller housing 203 can support and aid in weight distribution of drilling rig 100 throughout walking system 101. Roller housing 203 can hold and connect lift cylinder 201 with skid pad 206.

Mounting plate 204 can be an L-shaped device that can be attached at the opposite side of anchor 202. Mounting plate 204 can be placed horizontally on top of rim 211. As such, traverse cylinders 205 can be mounted between rim 211 and mounting plate 204. Traverse cylinder 205 can allow walking system 101 to move laterally.

Skid pad 206 can be a flat platform that serves as the base and support of a walking system 101. Skid pad 206 can use a track and guide method, in which skid pad 206 can comprise a skid pad guide 212. Skid pad guide 212 can be a protruding surface at the top of skid pad 206. Skid pad guide 212 can be mateable with anchor 202, in which anchor 202 can glide through skid pad guide 212. Skid pad 206 can comprise a wall 213 on one side. Wall 213 can be a slightly raised surface at one edge of skid pad 206. As such, skid pad guide 212 and wall 213 can form a recessed perpendicular surface at the surface of skid pad 206.

Indexing pin 207 can be a pair of vertical shaft attached at the opposite side of roller housing 203. Indexing pin 207 can be made of sturdy material such as steel or other hard metal. Indexing pin 207 can be used to ensure that drilling rig 100 is positioned in place with walking system 101. Moreover, indexing pin 207 can help direct drilling rig 100 straight up.

Roller assembly 208 can be device mounted within anchor 202. Roller assembly 208 can house a plurality of rollers 214. Rollers 214 can be spherical device mounting roller assembly 208, which allows roller assembly 208 to roll and easily glide through a surface. As such roller assembly 208 can be a portion within anchor 202 mateable to a top surface of skid pad guide 212.

FIG. 3A illustrates how lift cylinder 201, roller housing 203, and keeper plates 209 are connected to anchor 202. Lift cylinder 201 can comprise of a first barrel 301 a, a first piston rod 301 b and a platform 302. First barrel 301 a can serve as cylindrical housing for first piston rod 301 b and other internal machine parts of hydraulic cylinders 201. First piston rod 301 b can be a long cylindrical shaft that moves in and out of first barrel 301 a. Platform 302 can be a rectangular plate comprising a center orifice configured to be mateable with first barrel 301 a. The outer opposite ends of platform 302 can comprise of orifices used to accept fastening device that include but are not limited to screws, pins, and nuts and bolts. Further, the bottom portion of barrel 301 a can comprise a recessed curb 301 c. Recessed curb 301 c can hold platform 302 in a desired position. Moreover, recessed curb 301 c can prevent platform 301 from slipping out of first barrel 301 a. A portion of first piston rod 301 b can be inserted into cavity 210. As such, platform 302 can mount the top portion of first barrel 301 a, while the top surface of roller housing 203 can be attached to the bottom portion of first piston rod 301 b. Platform 302 and roller housing 203 can be connected to lift cylinder 201 through soldering, welding, cementing, and/or through any fastening device.

In one embodiment, lift cylinder 201 can be a single-acting cylinder where the pressure is received from only one side of the cylinder. In such embodiment, lift cylinder 201 can only move in one direction. In another embodiment, lift cylinder 201 can be a double-acting cylinder where the pressure from fluid can be applied on both sides of the cylinder. As such, lift cylinder 201 can move in two opposite directions.

FIG. 3B illustrates side view of traverse cylinders 205 connected to skid pad 206. Traverse cylinder 205 can comprise a second barrel 303, a second piston rod 304, and a rod end 305. One end of second piston rod 304 can attach to wall 213 through rod end 305. Rod end 305 can be a threaded rod fastener device that can be made of metal materials, in one embodiment.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of traverse cylinder 205 attached to skid pad 206. Rod end 305 can comprise a threaded hole used to accept fastening devices such as, but not limited to, pins, bars, bolts, and screws. Traverse cylinder 205 can be mounted on the opposite sides of mounting plate 204. Mounting plate 204 can be fastened on each side of anchor 202 using any fastening device such as screws, nuts, and bolts. As such, traverse cylinder 205 can be placed in between mounting plate 204 and rim 311, which can hold traverse cylinder 205 in a steady lateral position. Rod end 305 of second piston rod 304 can be fastened to wall 213. As such, wall 213 can comprise a pair of brackets 306. Brackets 306 can be flat wings that are each fitted with a bracket orifice that can be used to fasten rod end 305 and wall 213 together. In such structure, a fastening device that can include, but is not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, and bars can be inserted through the hole of rod end 305 and bracket orifice, which can align and affix rod end 305 and bracket 306 together. This structure can allow mounting plate 204 to glide through skid pad guide 208 while maintaining a fix lateral movement of traverse cylinder 205.

FIG. 4 illustrates a casing 400. Casing 400 can be a rectangular housing mateable to a portion of lift cylinder 301. Lift cylinder holder 400 can comprise an opening 401, a border 402 and a pair of pin guides 403. Opening 401 can be a hole placed at the center of casing 400 configured to fit first barrel 301 a of lift cylinder 201. Border 402 can be the protruding edges of casing 400. Border 402 can have a pair of bottom border 402 a placed at the lower portion of casing 400. Bottom border 402 a can comprise of threaded orifices used to accept fastening devices such as, but not limited to, pins, bars, bolts, and screws. Pin guides 403 can be a cylindrical recessed portion placed at the opposite sides of bottom border 402 a. Pin guides 403 can be mateable with indexing pins 207.

FIG. 5A illustrates lift cylinder 201 in an expanded state. In an embodiment where lift cylinder 201 can use a single-acting cylinder, drilling rig 100 can be pushed upward by lift cylinder 201. As skid pad 206 presses against the ground, lift cylinder 201 can lift drilling rig 100 slightly above the ground. In another embodiment where lift cylinder 201 can use double-acting cylinder, lift cylinder 201 can be expanded downwards making skid pad 206 press against the ground, while the opposite end of lift cylinder 201 can simultaneously expand upward and push drilling rig 100 against the ground.

FIG. 5B illustrates lift cylinder 201 in a retracted state. In an embodiment where lift cylinder 201 can use a single-acting cylinder, drilling rig 100 can rest on the ground, while lift cylinder 201 can be retracted upwards, slightly lifting skid pad 206 from the ground. In another embodiment where lift cylinder 201 can use a double-acting cylinder, the top portion of lift cylinder 201 can be retracted to make drilling rig 100 rest on the ground. Meanwhile, the bottom end of lift cylinder 201 can retract upwards and raise skid pad 206 slightly above the ground. In this state, lift cylinder 201 can rotate in any direction, allowing drilling rig 100 the capable of being directed to a different location.

FIG. 6A illustrates traverse cylinder 205 in an expanded state. Second barrel 303 can be pushed farther away from wall 213 by second piston rod 304 in expanded state. As the force is applied on traverse cylinder 205, second piston rod 304 pushes out from second barrel 303. Since rod end 305 of second piston rod 304 can attach to wall 213, anchor 202, which can mount second barrel 303 of traverse cylinder 205, can be pushed away from wall 213 by second piston rod 304. Skid pad guide 208 can assist the movement of anchor 202, as anchor 202 can be directed away from wall 213.

FIG. 6B illustrates traverse cylinder 205 in a retracted state. At such state, second barrel 303 can be pulled towards wall 213 as second piston rod 304 is refracted. In this state, force can be applied to traverse cylinder 205, making second piston rod 304 retract and pull second barrel 303 towards the direction of second piston rod 304. As second piston rod 304 retracts, anchor 202, which can hold traverse cylinder 205, can be pulled towards wall 213, thus moving the upper portion of walking system 101 to another other side. The simultaneous movement of traverse cylinder 205 can allow drilling rig 100 to move from one side to another.

An operator can maneuver walking system 101 towards any direction through a control system. The walking system 101 can be moved to a desired location through the simultaneous movements created by lift cylinder 201 and traverse cylinder 205. At a resting position, lift cylinder 201 can be in its retracted form where skid pad 206 is slightly raised from the ground, leaving drilling rig 100 rested against the terrain. To move drilling rig 100 to a new location, lift cylinder 201 can be expanded, lifting drilling rig 100, as skid pad 206 pushes against the ground. While lift cylinder 201 is in expanded state, traverse cylinder 205 can expand sideways, causing skid pad 206 to move laterally. This movement made by traverse cylinder 205 can cause drilling rig 100 to be lifted and moved a step closer to a desired location. Once traverse cylinder 205 is fully expanded, lift cylinder 201 can be retracted, lowering drilling rig 100 towards the ground. As lift cylinder 201 retracts, traverse cylinder 205 can retract sideways and move skid pad 206 to the other side. Furthermore, while lift cylinder 201 is in retracted form, walking system 101 can be maneuvered to either move forward or change its direction. To change the direction of walking system 101, lift cylinder 201 can be rotated while in its retracted form. Lift cylinder 201 can, one embodiment, rotate on a 360 degrees axis. Traverse cylinder 205 can also rotate according to the direction made by lift cylinder 201. Once the desired angle or direction of lift cylinder 201 is achieved, lift cylinder 201 can expand, and the same process can be repeated until drilling rig 100 reaches its new location.

FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of drilling rig 100, which can comprise a plurality of horizontal beam 700. Horizontal beams 700 can be a material used for drilling rig 100 that is capable of withstanding load. Horizontal beam 700 can be made up of pliable and durable material such as steel and other hard metal. Horizontal beam 700 shown in this figure can be at the bottom portion of drilling rig 100. Horizontal beam 700 can have a trapezoidal form wherein walking system 101 can be attached

FIG. 7B illustrates walking system 101 being aligned with horizontal beam 700. The bottom portion of walking system 101, which comprises skid pad 206 can be positioned below and at the center of horizontal beams 700. While, the top portion of walking system 101, which comprises casing 400 can be aligned just above skid pad 206 such that horizontal beam can be in between skid pad 206 and casing 400.

FIG. 7C illustrates how walking system 101 can be attached to horizontal beam 700. First barrel 301 a of lift cylinder 201 can go through the center orifice of platform 302 while opposite ends of platform 302 can be positioned in between horizontal beams 700. In such construction, platform 302 can aid first barrel 301 a maintain a fix vertical position with drilling rig 100 as lift cylinder 201 moves upward. The upper portion of barrel 301 a can go through the opening 401 of casing 400. Casing 400 can be attached to horizontal beams 700 by fastening bottom border 402 a with horizontal beams 700 and platform 302.

Bottom border 402 a comprising of threaded orifices can be mateable with the perforations made on steel plates 701. As such, horizontal beam 700, platform 302, and casing 400 can be aligned and attached together through fasteners that can include but are not limited to bolt, washer, and/or nuts. Furthermore, to ensure that walking system 101 is securely attached to drilling rig 100 adhesives can be used to fasten the materials together through welding, brazing, and/or soldering. Moreover, one end of indexing pins 207 attached to roller housing 203 can also be mated with pin guides 403. As a result, walking system 101 can be aligned with drilling rig 100.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” 

1. An improved system for moving a drilling rig comprising a lift cylinder maneuverable in a vertical direction; a casing, a portion of said lift cylinder attached at the center of said casing, further wherein said casing is mateable at the bottom portion of a drilling rig; an anchor, a top portion of said anchor connected at the bottom portion of said lift cylinder; one or more traverse cylinders mounted on the opposite sides of said anchor; said traverse cylinders maneuverable in horizontal direction; and a skid pad, a portion of said lift cylinders connected to said skid pad, said skid pad connected to a bottom portion of said anchor, further wherein said skid pad is capable of supporting weight of said drilling rig.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said lift cylinder is a single acting cylinder.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said single acting cylinder is maneuverable in one direction.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said lift cylinder is a double acting cylinder.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said double acting cylinder is maneuverable in two opposite directions.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said lift cylinder is rotatable.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said skid pad uses a track and a guide method.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said guide is mountable to said anchor.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said anchor is capable of sliding within said guide.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said anchor comprises a plurality of rollers.
 11. An improved method for moving a drilling rig comprising expanding a lift cylinder, said lift cylinder is capable of lifting a drilling rig upwards such that a skid pad presses against the ground; horizontally expanding a traverse cylinder, further wherein said drilling rig is directed laterally;
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising extracting said lift cylinder, wherein said drilling rig rests against the ground and said skid pad is slightly raised above the ground; horizontally extracting said traverse cylinder, wherein said drilling rig is maneuverable laterally;
 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising rotating said lift cylinder such that said skid pad is rotated towards another direction. 